I write to you today to provide an update on the Theodore court-case ruling that would only allow the funding of Catholic students attending Catholic schools in Saskatchewan. If you are unfamiliar with it, or need a refresher on the details, please read a previous letter with some detail.

On November 8, the provincial government introduced legislation invoking the notwithstanding clause of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This temporary, five-year reprieve from the ruling gives us all some peace of mind, and for that we are thankful. However, a permanent reversal through the appeals process is needed.

As you may recall, both the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association (SCSBA) and the Government of Saskatchewan have appealed the controversial ruling.

All eight Catholic boards in Saskatchewan support the appeal and have committed to funding it. As a board, we remain committed to keeping resources in the classroom as much as possible. With that in mind, I humbly ask you to help us keep that commitment to you and your children.

Will you prayerfully consider joining me and my fellow trustees by making a donation to financially support SCSBA's Schools You Can BelieveIn fundraising campaign?

As a Catholic school division, we know our role is more than to help you, your children's first educators, equip the leaders of tomorrow. It is also our responsibility to help your children realize their inherent dignity as children of God and know the hope to which He calls them.

We have much to gain through a successful appeal. Your support will help ensure Catholic education is available to all who choose it, no matter the reason, for future generations.

As Saskatchewan's largest Catholic school division our "share" of the provincial initiative is about $140,000 (or about $7 per student). This will cover costs for the appeal to go to the Supreme court of Canada, which it is expected to do.

Thank you for supporting Catholic education. Options for how to make your tax-deductible donation can be found on the GSCS Foundation website.